Anrep

    Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

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Arrhythmias

Cardiac Valve Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Edema

Heart Failure

Hypertension

Peripheral Artery Disease

Click here for information on Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (200 5)

Anrep

Under some experimental conditions, it has been observed that an increase in afterload causes an increase in ventricular inotropy. This is called the Anrep effect. This phenomenon is observed in denervated hearts as well as in intact hearts; therefore, it represents an intrinsic change in inotropy. The actual mechanism, however, is unknown. The functional significance of the Anrep effect is that the increased inotropy partially compensates for the increased end-systolic volume and decreased stroke volume caused by an increase in afterload. Without this mechanism, increases in afterload would cause greater reductions in stroke volume than what is normally observed.

RK Revised 04/06/07

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.